The Doctor Himself
New Who opened with the Doctor almost as much unknown to himself as he was to the audience. In the very first episode we get a hint that the Doctor is early on in his regeneration. While he is roaming around Rose's apartment, he catches sight of himself in a mirror and says, "Well, could have been worse." He then noticeably winces, and continues his scrutiny, saying "Look at me ears," in all likelihood echoing the very thoughts of the viewers of the show. We as the audience had to get used to a new face and a new personality for the Doctor right along with the Doctor himself. In comparing personalities of New Who Doctors, Ten and Eleven are notable for their quirks, their ability to capture the attention of the audience with their eccentricities. They've also got motor mouths to match, always talking up a storm, spouting alien knowledge and clever quips in an endless barrage of words and witticisms. Nine, on the other hand, is more subtle. He doesn't crave the spotlight, but he makes his presence felt. He doesn't endeavor to be the center of attention the real joy of Nine is not so much watching him as watching how he reacts to others. While Ten and Eleven always have something bizarre or clever to say to start a conversation, it's in Nine's replies and retorts to others that we truly see him shine. In sum, he's a smart-aleck, and this is something perfectly illustrated in "World War Three" in one of my favorite exchanges of Season 1: Rose: "My mother's cooking." Doctor: "Good! Put her on a slow heat and let her simmer!" It's a testament to Eccleston's incredible acting abilities that he can switch back and forth from flippant to brooding this mercurial temperament shows us both Nine's goofy sense of humor and the pain he holds inside. Also, this wide emotional spectrum encompasses the two warring sides of the Doctor and the true depths and complexities of his heart. Eccleston's portrayal of Nine as a war-weary soldier gives the Doctor so much depth as a character, and his darkness only makes his tears for Gallifrey all the more heartbreaking. It's imperative to note that Nine's silent breakdown in "The End of the World" is the first time we have ever seen the Doctor cry. Even so, at times he's merciless he essentially kills Cassandra, in, again, "The End of the World," and in "Dalek" he screams at the Dalek to die. Yet throughout the season we watch Nine's heart soften as he falls in love with his companion, another unusual aspect for the Doctor (more on that later). Nine is a more serious Doctor than many were expecting, but his dourness only makes his light-hearted moments all the more fantastic to watch. His complexities and change of heart across the series make him both heartbreaking and wonderful; if ever there were a Doctor full of "fire and ice and rage," it would be Nine. What I miss most about Nine is the authority he brought with him. Ten is frightening as the Time Lord Victorious and Eleven can't quite pull off commanding or authoritative, but Nine is such a solid presence that you can believe he was a soldier in the Time War. You know that he knows what he's doing and can be depended upon. Perhaps Peter Capaldi as Twelve can bring back some of that authoritative presence that Nine so absolutely owned.